Welcome to The Master’s Tax & Financial Services
Our website is an information resource designed to help you learn more about personal finance. We believe that good financial decisions don’t have to be confusing. Our hope is that this website will assist you in learning more about tax issues, investing, retirement, insurance, preparing financially for college, estate planning, and wealth preservation.
As in other areas of life, each of us will be more successful in our financial matters if we hold to a clear objective and make decisions in alignment with our objective. Janelle and Richard are prepared to assist you to:
- Clarify and define your goals
- Identify solutions that fit your needs
- File complete and accurate tax returns taking your best elections
- Plan for future tax events in order to minimize taxes
- Understand how changing financial conditions affect you
- Track your financial progress
- Make investment planning easier (Richard)
Through years of disciplined saving Richard was able to retire from his engineering work early in 2013 at the age of 58. Retirement not only allows more time for grandchildren, but more time for this business. Whatever your future financial goals are - retirement, helping fund college for children or grandchildren, or others - Richard is prepared to help.
No one likes to see a letter from the IRS or state tax or revenue authority, but both Janelle and Richard have taken advanced course work on helping people work through these situations. Both are licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
We are open year-round. During the summer we are often out for a week or so for specialized Continuing Professional Education (CPE) or vacation with grandchildren. But we stay in touch and can help you address your concerns.
Please browse our site. It will not only introduce you to our company philosophy and services, but it will also offer a wealth of educational materials, articles, newsletters, calculators, and other tools — all designed to keep you up-to-date on financial issues, strategies, and trends. This educational material is updated frequently.
Helpful Content
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Strategy?
Review your legacy approach regularly, particularly following significant life events or legislative updates.
Changing Unhealthy Behaviors
Five phases to changing unhealthy behaviors.
Disability and Your Finances
In the event of an unforeseen accident or illness, disability insurance may be a good way to protect your income and savings.
Insurance Needs Assessment: For Empty Nesters and Retirees
Do your insurance needs stay the same when the nest empties?
Deciding When to Take Social Security
One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
How Retirement Spending Changes With Time
It can be difficult for clients to imagine how much they’ll spend in retirement. This short, insightful article is useful.
New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2026
A look at the new retirement contribution limits from the IRS.
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Strategy?
Review your legacy approach regularly, particularly following significant life events or legislative updates.
View all articles 
Federal Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Estimate your potential federal capital gains tax liability on the sale of an asset.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
View all calculators
How to Retire Early
Retiring early sounds like a dream come true, but it’s important to take a look at the cold, hard facts.
A Fruitful Retirement: Social Security Benefit
Taking your Social Security benefits at the right time may help maximize your benefit.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Estate Management 101
A will may be only one of the documents you need—and one factor to consider—when it comes to managing your estate.